Pokemon X and Y
Pokemon X and Y

Legendary Pokémon Locations & Catching Guide

Locate and capture Legendary Pokemon in Pokemon X and Y. This guide details where to find Articuno, Zapdos, Moltres and other powerful creatures in Kalos.

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Legendary Pokémon Locations & Catching Guide

Welcome, aspiring Pokémon Master! This comprehensive guide will walk you through the thrilling process of encountering and capturing the elusive Legendary Pokémon scattered across the Kalos region. Be prepared for challenging battles and strategic planning!

The Roaming Birds: Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres

The legendary trio of Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres are unique in Pokémon X and Y as they are roaming Pokémon. This means their location changes after each encounter or after you move between routes. The specific bird you encounter depends on your starter Pokémon choice:

  • Chespin (Grass) Starter: You will encounter Articuno.
  • Fennekin (Fire) Starter: You will encounter Zapdos.
  • Froakie (Water) Starter: You will encounter Moltres.

Encountering the Roaming Bird

  1. Defeat the Elite Four: You must first become the Champion of Kalos. The legendary birds will not appear until after you have successfully conquered the Pokémon League.
  2. First Sighting: After defeating the Elite Four, your chosen legendary bird will appear in a random location on the Kalos map. You'll receive a notification in your Pokedex.
  3. Track Your Target: Open your Pokedex and navigate to the entry for Articuno, Zapdos, or Moltres. The "Area" tab will show you its current location.
  4. Engage in Battle: Head to the indicated route. The legendary bird will appear as a random encounter in the tall grass.

Catching Strategy for Roaming Legendaries

Catching these roaming legends requires patience and a specific approach. They will flee on the first turn of battle, regardless of what you do.

  • Preparation is Key:
    • Repels: Stock up on Max Repels or Super Repels. This will help you avoid unwanted encounters while tracking your target.
    • Fast Pokémon: Bring a Pokémon with a high Speed stat and a move like Mean Look, Arena Trap, or Shadow Tag. These abilities prevent the opponent from fleeing. Examples include Wobbuffet (Shadow Tag) or Gothitelle (Shadow Tag).
    • Status Inducers: Have Pokémon that can inflict status conditions like Sleep or Paralysis (e.g., Breloom with Spore, Amoonguss with Spore, or a Pokémon with Thunder Wave).
    • False Swipe User: A Pokémon with False Swipe (e.g., Gallade, Scizor) is invaluable for whittling down HP without knocking out the legendary.
    • Ultra Balls: Carry a large supply of Ultra Balls (50+ is a good starting point). Timer Balls can also be effective in longer battles.
  • The Chase:
    1. Locate: Use your Pokedex to find the bird's current route.
    2. Encounter: Walk through the tall grass on that route until you encounter it.
    3. First Encounter (Flee): The bird will flee immediately. This is normal. Crucially, its HP and any status conditions inflicted will carry over to the next encounter.
    4. Repeat: Check your Pokedex again. The bird will have moved to a new route. Continue tracking and encountering it.
  • The Final Showdown (Sea Spirit's Den):

    After approximately 10-12 encounters where the legendary bird flees, it will stop roaming and appear permanently in the Sea Spirit's Den. This is your chance to finally catch it!

    1. Travel to Sea Spirit's Den: Fly to Couriway Town and head west to Route 12. Use Surf to reach the Sea Spirit's Den, located on an island.
    2. Save Your Game: SAVE YOUR GAME BEFORE ENTERING THE DEN! This is crucial in case you accidentally knock out the legendary or run out of Poké Balls.
    3. Initiate Battle: Interact with the legendary bird inside the den to begin the battle.
    4. Battle Strategy:
      • Immediately use your fast Pokémon with Mean Look/Arena Trap/Shadow Tag to prevent it from fleeing.
      • Lower its HP to red using False Swipe.
      • Inflict a status condition (Sleep is generally best, followed by Paralysis).
      • Begin throwing Ultra Balls. If the battle drags on, Timer Balls will become more effective.
      • Be prepared for a long battle. Do not give up!

Mewtwo

The legendary Psychic-type Pokémon, Mewtwo, can be found in the Kalos region after you have proven yourself as Champion.

Location and Catching Strategy

  1. Defeat the Elite Four: Like the roaming birds, Mewtwo will only appear after you have become the Pokémon League Champion.
  2. Travel to Pokémon Village: Fly to Snowbelle City and head west onto Route 20 (Winding Woods). Navigate through the woods to reach Pokémon Village.
  3. Locate the Cave: In the northern part of Pokémon Village, there's a small cave entrance hidden behind some trees. This is the Unknown Dungeon.
  4. Save Your Game: SAVE YOUR GAME BEFORE ENTERING THE UNKNOWN DUNGEON! This is your only chance to catch Mewtwo in this game.
  5. Encounter Mewtwo: Inside the cave, Mewtwo will be standing in the center. Interact with it to initiate the battle.
  6. Battle Strategy:
    • Mewtwo is Level 70, so be prepared for a tough fight.
    • Bring a strong team of Pokémon, preferably Dark, Ghost, or Bug-types, as these are super effective against Psychic. However, focus more on Pokémon that can withstand its powerful attacks.
    • Lower its HP to red using a False Swipe user.
    • Inflict a status condition (Sleep or Paralysis are ideal).
    • Begin throwing Ultra Balls. If the battle is prolonged, Timer Balls will increase their effectiveness.
    • Consider using a Master Ball if you have one and want to guarantee the capture without a struggle.

Zygarde

Zygarde, the Order Pokémon, is a powerful Dragon/Ground-type legendary found deep within the Terminus Cave.

Location and Catching Strategy

  1. Defeat the Elite Four: Zygarde, like the other legendaries, becomes accessible after you've become the Kalos Champion.
  2. Travel to Terminus Cave: Fly to Couriway Town and head south onto Route 18 (Vallee Etroite Way). Follow the path until you reach the entrance to Terminus Cave.
  3. Navigate Terminus Cave:
    • You will need a Pokémon with Strength and Rock Smash to navigate the cave's obstacles.
    • Proceed through the cave, pushing boulders and smashing rocks.
    • Eventually, you will reach a lower level with a large, open chamber.
  4. Locate Zygarde: Zygarde will be standing prominently in the center of this large chamber.
  5. Save Your Game: SAVE YOUR GAME BEFORE INTERACTING WITH ZYGARDE! This is your single opportunity to catch it.
  6. Encounter Zygarde: Interact with Zygarde to begin the battle.
  7. Battle Strategy:
    • Zygarde is Level 70. Its Dragon/Ground typing makes it weak to Ice, Dragon, and Fairy-type moves.
    • Be wary of its powerful attacks. Consider bringing a Pokémon with high Defense or Special Defense to tank hits.
    • Lower its HP to red using a False Swipe user.
    • Inflict a status condition (Sleep or Paralysis are highly recommended).
    • Begin throwing Ultra Balls. Timer Balls will become more effective as the battle progresses.
    • If you have a Master Ball, this is another prime candidate for its use.

Good luck, Trainer! Capturing these legendary Pokémon is a true test of skill and patience, but the rewards are well worth the effort.